After being a support teacher prior to my role as a sixth grade teacher, it has not felt like a big leap to imagine being an instructional specialist. The support and background knowledge I have gained during EDU 777, has allowed me to take what I know about teaching to another level with the help of technology.
The Process
While creating my proposal I appreciated the breakdown of the different steps throughout the course. Doing the project as five different steps, allowed me to truly think through each of them and reflect as I went along.
Challenges
One of my biggest challenges was coming up with the project to begin with. At first I was at a loss for how to propose the use of technology when I feel like we are trying to pull back from technology a little after two years of inundation with Pandemic teaching. However, taking the time to listen to my teammates and my administrators concerts, I was able to find a technology solution to our independent work concerns.
Excitement
I have to say I am still excited about the potential of my proposal. The work we have put in as a team and the trial has helped me see the real potential of this proposal. I am excited to introduce it to all my students after winter break.
Positive Aspects of the Journey
The process overall has been a positive one. As stated previously, I liked how the proposal process was broken down. I also enjoyed the conversations and background knowledge obtained during the course.
Negative Aspects
The only thing I would change about the process was getting more feedback on my steps as I went. I would have liked to have feedback on one step before going onto the next to know I was on the right track. I appreciated that it was offered to call or zoom if any questions arose.
Technology Specialist roles of Learning Specialist and Instructional Designer
After completing EDU 777, I can see the benefit of having a learning specialist and instructional designer at my disposal. Working on obtaining these skills has been very beneficial to my day to day planning, and I can’t imagine how great it would be to have a person on our staff whose sole job it was to help enhance our lessons even more. To have someone who can support their knowledge of technology with pedagogy of why it is beneficial to our students would help get even more implemented.
